The Maserati Levante has been spotted once again undergoing testing ahead of a 2016 launch.

The Maserati Levante has been spotted once again undergoing testing ahead of a 2016 launch.

Maserati is still testing the upcoming Levante crossover as a high-riding Ghibli which looks awkward but that's not important at all as the production car will take many styling cues from the Kubang concept shown back in September 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It will be based on the Ghibli sedan but obviously with an increased ride height, wider tracks and most likely an all-wheel drive system.

The test mule seen here was photographed in Germany and had a thick black layer on the roof which was probably installed to simulate the additional weight of the vehicle. Power is expected to come from gasoline V6 engines with 350 & 425 HP as well as a beefier V8 rated at more than 560 HP. There should also be several diesels delivering 250, 275 and 340 HP.

Set to be produced at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, the Levante will go on sale sometime in 2016 but it is possible Maserati will decide to show it before the end of next year.